Of all the things you include in your wedding, the flowers you choose can often carry the most meaning. The Victorian era ushered in an emphasis on the meanings of different varieties and colors of flowers. This significance is often still observed today. However, there are plenty of other reasons to choose particular flowers over others. You might consider which flowers are in season during your wedding month, or which will be too expensive during that time of year. Some brides choose to emulate what those before them have used in their wedding bouquets as a tribute. You might even think about including non-floral items in your bouquet. With so many options and choices, the floral experts at Griffin’s Weddings hope to help you think about the why behind your what by giving you some reasons to choose- or not choose- certain flowers for your special day.
Choosing Wedding Flowers Because of their Symbolism
Thanks to the Victorian era, we see plenty of meaning behind different varieties and colors of flowers. Want to communicate sentiments of loyalty? Dahlias, representing commitment and a life-long bond, will be a beautiful way to say it. Want to represent faith and wisdom as you come together as one? Choose iris for your wedding blooms. Virtually every flower, especially those most popular in weddings, have a particular meaning that can be conveyed in your wedding bouquet or other floral decor. Check out this extensive list of meanings to learn what your favorite blooms have to say.
Why Certain Flowers are Chosen
You may find that there are certain flowers which, while beautiful and fragrant, you may want to avoid for your wedding. Some, like gardenias, are so fragile they will likely wilt between the creation of the bouquet and the wedding ceremony itself. Others might simply be more costly than your wedding budget allows because they’re out of season during your wedding month. Do your research ahead of time for particular flowers you like to make sure they’re hardy and attainable at the time of your wedding. On the other hand, you might choose flowers because they’ve been used before. Include the same flowers your mother and future mother-in-law carried in their wedding bouquets to honor them in your ceremony. Choose the flowers he brought you on your first date to keep their specialness between you. Opt to follow in the footsteps of royalty by choosing Lily of the Valley, the signature wedding flower chosen by Kate Middleton, Grace Kelly, Queen Victoria and Princess Astrid of Sweden.
Other Items to Include in your Wedding Bouquet
Throughout history, brides have included various non-floral items in their bouquets to fulfill numerous purposes. Ancient Roman and Greek brides carried garlic to ward off evil spirits. In Poland, brides dust their bouquets with sugar to sweeten their marriage. In England, brides carry any number of herbs or grains, like rosemary, lavender or wheat to symbolize abundance. Currently, personalized momentos like monogrammed ribbons, heirloom lockets or special jewels or stones in the wedding bouquet are trending with modern brides. Feel free to add more than flowers to your bridal arrangement to make it even more meaningful to you.
There are so many ways to personalize your wedding, but relying on the symbolism of flowers is an enduring way to communicate your feelings and add a special, unique touch to your wedding. To learn more about including flowers with special meaning in your wedding decor, talk to the wedding designers at Griffin’s Weddings. We’ll happily walk you through the abundance of options and help you find the perfect choice for you.